1/2 c. oil
4 tsp. salt
1 tbsp. sugar
1 c. boiling water
1/2 c. cold water
7 c. flour
2 pkgs. dry yeast
1/3 c. warm water
3 eggs
Sesame or poppy seeds

Pour water, oil, salt and sugar into large bowl. Add one cup boiling water and stir; add cold water. Dissolve yeast in 1/3 cup warm water. Beat eggs and add to oil and water mixture, saving 1 tbsp. beaten egg to brush on loaves before baking. Add dissolved yeast and stir. Add flour and mix well.

Turn out on floured board and knead until dough does not stick to board and hands; adding more flour as needed. Return dough to bowl and cover with towel and allow to rise in warm spot for one hour. It will double in bulk.

Turn out on lightly floured board and knead for one minute. Cut into twelve pieces and knead each piece with a little flour and leave rest while you grease a cookie sheet. Roll each piece into a strand about 8 inches long. Make four braided loaves. Place on cookie sheet and let rise for 45 minutes at room temperature. Brush tops of beaten egg. Sprinkle with seeds. Bake in 375 degree oven for 40 minutes. Remove loaves to racks to cool. Extra loaves may be frozen.